Weight loss surgery can prove to be a life-changing decision for people, which often comes after years of unsuccessful attempts to lose those extra pounds through diets, exercise, fitness routines, and emotional ups and downs. For most of the patients who do it, bariatric surgery is not just about losing weight, but is more about regaining their health and reclaiming their confidence and self-worth. However, this decision is not as simple as it seems. For a patient considering bariatric surgery, the first and foremost requirement is to know and understand whether they qualify for the surgery or not. Whether a person has just started to think about it, or has been giving it a thought for a long time, understanding these eligibility criteria can empower them to make more informed and confident decisions in terms of proceeding with weight loss surgery. It is also important to understand that these eligibility criteria have not been set to gatekeep, but to ensure that the process is a smooth, comfortable and successful one. From BMI to obesity related health conditions, there is a wide range of factors a doctor will consider before advising a person for Bariatric weight loss surgery. In this article, we will dive deeper into bariatric surgeries and the eligibility criteria involved.
What are the medical conditions that make a person eligible for weight loss surgery?
One of the most important eligibility criteria for weight loss surgery is the one which are based on the Body Mass Index or BMI of the patient. Body Mass Index refers to a formula that uses the ratio of height and weight of a person to calculate the approximate amount of fat in their body. Bariatric surgery is considered as an option for people who have a BMI of more than 40. In some cases, bariatric surgery can be done even when the person has a BMI lower than 40. These cases include:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 35
- Patient of at least one health condition caused by obesity
- A person who has been unsuccessful at losing weight inspite exercise and dieting.
In case of an adolescent patient, the surgeon might refer to the growth chart instead of Body Mass Index in order to make sure that the patient is eligible for Weight loss surgery or not.
Other than the above-mentioned factors, there might be a few more conditions that the doctors might be interested in knowing so that they can make the final decision regarding weight loss treatment for a patient. The healthcare providers might examine these factors, which include both medical and behavioral aspects of the person.
More important medical aspects
The patient might be advised by the healthcare providers to undergo certain tests and examinations in order to detect whether the person has any ongoing health conditions related to obesity or not. These conditions might include:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Liver Disease
- Sleep Apnea
- Kidney Disease
If a patient has certain health conditions that do not allow the surgeons to use general anesthesia, the patient might still be advised not to undergo Bariatric weight loss surgery. These conditions include blood-clotting disorders, severe heart disease, etc.
Issues related to Mental Health
Weight loss surgery is a major decision about the life of a person that can possibly bring about a great deal of changes in their lives. These changes can not only be physical, but also mental and emotional. It is of utmost importance to make sure that the patient is ready to accept and adapt to these changes, while also making the necessary modifications in the diet and lifestyle. Hence, apart from the physical aspects that have been mentioned above, the eligibility criteria also depend on the mental health and general well-being of the patients.
- Motivation: A person who is going for bariatric surgery must be highly motivated and high-spirited to embrace the upcoming range of changes in their life.
- History of Weight Loss Patterns: The weight loss patterns of a patient will also play a major role in deciding whether the patient is eligible for bariatric surgery or not. If the patient has regained weight in the past after losing it once, it might be an important factor to have a keen eye on, since it affects the success rates of the Bariatric weight loss surgery, as well as the instances of post-surgical complications.
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse: If a patient has been a heavy alcohol consumer or a smoker in the past, it will negatively impact the chances of having a successful weight loss surgery, while increasing the possibility of post-surgical complications. Complications can also arise in patients having a history of drug abuse.
- Mental Disorders: Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, panic attacks etc, are very common in the cases of obesity. If a patient is experiencing any of these problems, it might make it harder for them to manage their weight after the Bariatric weight loss surgery.
With the advancements in technology and modern medicine, options like Robotic Bariatric Surgery have become increasingly popular among doctors and patients all across the globe. This surgery allows for a minimally invasive treatment option, with less risk of complications and a lower recovery time. It is important to visit a specialist so as to explore the options available for the bariatric surgery of a patient.
If you are looking for the Best weight loss surgery or Weight loss surgery in Mohali, Sohana Hospital might be the right option for you. Sohana Hospital Mohali, with its latest world-class technology and North India’s most trusted and experienced Bariatric Surgeons, provides the best and most comprehensive weight loss surgeries, with the most patient-focused approach, ensuring a happier, healthier, and lighter life for you and your loved ones! Contact our experts today!